Mushroom stew

Mushroom Stew

The fasting period is approaching, and vegan dishes are becoming increasingly desired in our kitchens. Mushroom stew is a simple yet extremely tasty and nutritious dish, perfect for fasting days, but not only. Rich in flavors and textures, this stew brings a touch of comfort to every plate. Moreover, it is a quick recipe, ideal for those who do not have much time but want to indulge in a delicious meal.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 500 g mushrooms (preferably champignon or pleurotus mushrooms)
- 2 medium onions
- 1 large carrot
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 2 bell peppers (one red and one yellow)
- 1-2 stalks of leek
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or sunflower oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- a few fresh parsley leaves

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by cleaning all the vegetables. Chop the onion into small cubes, slice the peppers into thin strips, and cut the leek into circles. Grate the carrot on the large grater. These ingredients will create the flavorful base of your stew.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, leek, peppers, and carrot. Sauté these vegetables for about 10 minutes until they become slightly soft and translucent. Stir constantly to avoid burning.

3. Adding the mushrooms: Meanwhile, clean the mushrooms and slice them thickly, not too finely. Then, add them to the skillet over the sautéed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Cooking the mushrooms: Add the crushed garlic cloves and let everything simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their water and it evaporates completely. This step is crucial as it allows the mushrooms to caramelize slightly, adding extra flavor.

5. Finalizing the stew: Once the water has evaporated, add the tomato paste and chopped parsley leaves. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes for the flavors to blend perfectly.

Serving

Mushroom stew is delicious served warm, alongside creamy mashed potatoes, boiled rice, or polenta. You can also add a fresh green salad for a contrast of textures. A personal idea is to sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch!

Practical Tips

- Choosing mushrooms: Champignon mushrooms are the most accessible, but you can also experiment with shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a more intense flavor.
- Spicy version: If you like spicier dishes, add some chopped chili pepper or chili flakes during the sautéing of the vegetables.
- Parsley: Replace parsley with dill or basil to change the flavor according to your preferences.
- Cooking the mushrooms: Make sure not to overcrowd the mushrooms in the skillet; if necessary, cook them in batches for even caramelization.

Nutritional Benefits

Mushroom stew is not only delicious but also healthy. Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, antioxidants, and low in calories. Additionally, the vegetables used provide a significant amount of fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can mushroom stew be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the stew in individual portions. Make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in freezer containers.
- What is the vegan version of this stew? This recipe is already vegan, containing the necessary ingredients without animal products.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! You can include zucchini, eggplant, or even peas to diversify the recipe.

This simple and quick stew is perfect for busy days when you want to enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I recommend you try it and let yourself be carried away by its flavors! Enjoy your meal!